Alomide eye drops (lodoxamide)

Alomide eye drops contain the active ingredient lodoxamide, which is a medicine used to relieve the symptoms of allergies. Lodoxamide eye drops are used to relieve the symptoms of eye allergies such as hay fever.

What is it used for?

These eye drops are suitable for adults and children aged four years and older.

How does it work?

Alomide eye drops contain the active ingredient lodoxamide, which is a medicine used to relieve the symptoms of allergies. Lodoxamide eye drops are used to relieve the symptoms of eye allergies such as hay fever.

Lodoxamide works by reducing allergic responses. It is not fully understood how it does this, but it is thought to work by 'stabilising' immune cells called mast cells.

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Mast cells are an important part of the immune system. They become sensitised when they are exposed to foreign particles or allergens, for example pollen or dust mites. When this happens, the mast cells release substances that include histamine, and these cause inflammation as part of the body'’s immune response to fight the foreign substance.

Inflammation of the eye causes the typical symptoms of an eye allergy -– redness, itching and a watery discharge.

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By stabilising the mast cells, lodoxamide is thought to prevent the substances that cause the inflammation, eg histamine, from being released when the cells encounter an allergen. This prevents the allergic response and relieves the symptoms of the allergy.

Lodoxamide eye drops are used to reduce the symptoms of eye allergies (allergic conjunctivitis), such as red, itchy, watery and puffy eyes. The eye drops need to be used regularly to achieve relief from the symptoms. They take a few days to build up an effect but can sometimes take up to four weeks to fully relieve symptoms. If your symptoms have not improved by this time you should consult your doctor.

Once your symptoms improve, you should continue to use the drops regularly for as long as is needed to keep the symptoms under control.

How do I use it?

Alomide eye drops contain the preservative benzalkonium chloride, which can be absorbed by soft contact lenses and cause eye irritation. For this reason if you wear soft contact lenses, you should remove them before putting in these eye drops. Wait at least 15 minutes before putting your lenses back in. However, if possible it is best not to wear your contact lenses at all while you are using these drops.

One or two drops should be put into each eye four times a day. The drops should be used at regular intervals. You should notice an improvement in your symptoms within a few days of starting to use the eye drops, but it can take up to four weeks for your symptoms to be fully relieved. You should continue to use the drops regularly for as long as is needed to keep the symptoms under control. Follow the instructions given by your doctor.

If you forget to use the drops put the missed dose in as soon as you remember, unless it is almost time for your next dose. In this case you should just apply your next dose as usual and miss out the forgotten dose. Don't use a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

Warning!

This medicine is for use in the eyes only and must not be taken by mouth.

This medicine may cause your vision to blur temporarily after you have put the drops in your eyes. Do not drive or operate machinery until this has worn off.

When using the eye drops you should take care to not touch the tip of the dropper to any surface, or to your eye, in order to avoid contaminating the medicine.

These eye drops should be discarded four weeks after the bottle is first opened. This is because they could be contaminated with dirt or germs that could cause eye infections. Write the date of opening on the bottle so you know when to throw them away. Dispose of them carefully, preferably by returning them to your pharmacy.

Not to be used in

Children under four years of age.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine for use in pregnancy has not been established. It should be avoided during pregnancy. Seek further medical advice from your doctor if you are pregnant.

It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk. It should be avoided in nursing mothers. Seek further medical advice from your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Very common (affect more than 1 in 10 people)

Discomfort in the eyes, such as burning or stinging, when you first start using the eye drops. This usually wears off, but if it doesn't improve consult your doctor.

Common (affect between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people)

Blurred vision.

Dry or itchy eyes.

Watery eyes.

Red eyes.

Uncommon (affect between 1 in 100 and 1 in 1000 people)

Dizziness.

Headache.

Eye irritation, pain or swelling.

Sensation of something in the eyes.

Discharge from the eyes.

Deposits in the outer layer of the eye (corneal deposits).

Feeling of tired or strained eyes.

Eyelid peeling.

Nausea.

Feeling hot.

Rare (affect between 1 in 1000 and 1 in 10,000 people)

Sleepiness.

Unusual taste.

Damage or scarring to eye surface (cornea).

Visual disturbances.

Inflammation of the eyelids.

Rash.

Dryness of the nasal passages.

Sneezing.

Abdominal discomfort.

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine's manufacturer.

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

If you are using more than one type of eye drop you should administer them at least five minutes apart, to prevent the second drop washing away the first. Use eye gels or ointments last.

The materials in this web site are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The web site does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or feel ill, you should consult your doctor - for further information see our Terms and conditions.